Liver biopsy is a clinical procedure performed to diagnose the presence of abnormal cells in the liver. Any abnormality in the liver cells can be malignant or indicate a liver disease like cirrhosis......
Liver biopsy is a clinical procedure performed to diagnose the presence of abnormal cells in the liver. Any abnormality in the liver cells can be malignant or indicate a liver disease like cirrhosis. If the imaging tests done earlier show an abnormality, it is investigated through a liver biopsy.
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Steps to take before Liver Biopsy Treatment
Our team of doctors and nursing staff will let you know if you need to avoid any kind of medication or supplements. A blood test will be conducted to check if you have blood-clotting problems. In the case of any such problem, medication would be given to you to avoid excessive bleeding. You might be asked to avoid meals for 6 - 8 hours before the procedure starts.
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What happens during Liver Biopsy?
It is a simple surgical procedure in which the liver tissue is extracted by making a needle incision in the liver. It is performed in the OPD (Out Patient Department) for 5 -10 minutes. You will be asked to lie down on the treatment couch and an ultrasound scan will be done to evaluate the exact area of your liver. The operation is performed after giving local anaesthesia. A surgical incision is made depending on the type of liver biopsy. The sample tissue from the liver is extracted, and the incision is closed.
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After Liver Biopsy
You are likely to feel some pain at the surgical site, and also a slight pain in the shoulder or back. You will be observed under the recovery room for the next few hours. You will be prescribed painkillers, and you will also be advised to avoid any physical exertion for the next few days.
This revolutionary procedure can easily diagnose liver diseases while saving you from the risks and discomforts of invasive procedures but it also has a few risks that a patient should know.
The advantages of Liver Biopsy procedure are:
- It is less time-consuming.
- It is helpful in differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous cells.
- Diagnoses a number of liver problems.
The risks involved in Liver Biopsy procedure are:
- Bleeding and mild discomfort.
- Pneumothorax or a punctured lung.
- Accidental injury to the nearby parts such as intestines, gallbladder, or kidney.
- Temporary voice problems.
- Infection.
